Welcome to 2016 Chelsea FC Seniors Blog

The first game for the 2016 season is done and dusted and the results were mixed. After a tight first half, the Chelsea Reserves overcame a slow sluggish start to completely over run Old Mentonians in the second half at a game played at Kingston Heath. We seemed to have problems with the artificial surface and, at first, our structure was all wrong. At the half, we made some changes both with personnel and positions and this seemed to do the trick. We could not start two of our players due to not being registered properly and this is unforgivable.
We looked at sea in the first half, but after a half time roasting the boys came out and played with purpose. The passing improved and as a result we held possession far more and put OM under a lot of pressure. Adam Alford scored a good goal placing it past the keeper, and that goal was followed by a great team goal that ended up being put in by Dale Scmidt. The third goal was excellent too - an L1 - which was placed beautifully by Nate Fogarty. We had some other close shaves but won convincingly by a score of 3-0. Best players were Lucas Tobar, Dale Schmidt, Maurizio, James the keeper, Rod and Jack Kearney. Lawrence played a strong second half and when Aaron went on he fought hard alongside of Adam. Mattias insured a bit of class and composure and all contributed for a strong second half.
The seniors for this week were pumped for their first game and we completely dominated the first half. It was 13 shots at goal compared to two in the first half but we could not score - crossbars, uprights, just over or just scuffing the ball and not getting a good shot on. Literally, we could have been 5-0 up at the half. Our defense was excellent creating many opportunities but it was absolutely frustrating. We made the keeper look like a champion and at the half we were deadlocked at 0-0. Luke Dal, Connor Lewis, Adam K were all dominating defense, and Tucci, Tom F, Seb, Lachy, Matty K, Michael M and Travis were getting plenty of the ball - but we were spraying shots in desperation. We possessed the ball well but just could not get the ball in the back of the net. Clearly we were not playing as a team up front, but instead we were trying to win it off individual boots. There were many times we had the ability to make a simple pass to make the shot easier but failed to take that opportunity. There were plenty of times when we could have taken half a second to set ourselves but we just threw the boot at it. We had opportunity to score but on many occasions had a poor touch at the critical moment.
I was obviously frustrated and at the half we made some changes and demands. The wind had really picked up and was favouring OM and our job was going to be difficult. We still possessed the ball well but our passes were starting to slip - however we still had the ball more than OM. Then an unfortunate mistake - a really poor pass directly to an OM player in front of goal and they - unlike us - made the most of their only serious chance! They were 1-0 up and it was robbery!
OM started to slow the game, waste time, make slow changes, and we looked as if we had been slapped in the face.Things looked bleak and it was deadly quiet on the pitch.
With 15 minutes to go we started to lift - led by Tucci in the middle who was the only one I could hear talking and encouraging, and he was getting assistance from Lachy, Kurtis, and Luke outside. We moved Connor up to striker as we sought a person who would control the ball and set himself. With about 12 minutes left,  Tucci threaded the ball outside, as his toughness really shone through, and he found Connor on a cross - he took his time, settled and blasted the ball past the keeper to score. It was 1-1.

We finally picked up belief and shook off the frustration. The relief of scoring made everyone dig deep and OM were on their heels. We lost Luke D with an injury so we were reduced to 10 men for the last 10 minutes as Luke P took charge in a three back D - but we kept swarming OM. We played some great possession football, making passes and redirecting. With about 1 minute left we had a brilliant opportunity via Matty K who won a hard ball and ran past two players to be 1 V 1 with the keeper. He shot but the keeper made a top save and then Matty tried to chip the keeper off the rebound only to see the keeper jump up and tip it over the bar.
The whistle blew and we had to settle for a 1-1 draw. We had played all over them but walked away disappointed. That is the game - that is the beauty of it.
Best players for Chelsea were Tucci, Luke D, Connor L, Matty K
We need to rebound this week. We need to all be at training and support each other. We may have two injuries but we hope those guys recover quickly.
To all players - each week over the course of season we will give every player votes out of 20. The highest cumulative average vote getter will be the Best and Fairest.

Finally, I must say this clearly!

If you perform in the reserves, you will be given opportunity in the firsts - this is reality everywhere in all sports. In the past, Chelsea seniors, have had a bit of a slack attitude because we have not had depth. It was an attitude that really hurt the progress of the team and the club. This year, we have depth and on Saturday, I believe, I put on the park, the strongest team Chelsea FC has ever fielded. We have lost Santi all year and Deni did not even get to play. We still had a very strong team and in the reserves two folks played standout games. We need every reserves player to try their hardest to get into the firsts - put pressure on the firsts team to perform. Everytime you step out onto the park play with COMMITMENT.
That is the attitude we want from ALL players - regardless of where you play - give 100%. Dont think  or say that you are better than other players - SHOW it! Dont get disappointed - get more determined!
Go Chelsea FC! Here are some pictures from Saturday. I would love each team to get a photographer taking shots each week. Let me know if you can assist.